THE Hilton in Coventry is to undergo a six-figure facelift as part of a major investment scheme across the hotel chain.

The Walsgrave site is set to benefit from an £800,000 cash injection along with 15 other hotels in the UK.

Managers believe the new look will attract more customers and help the hotel take advantage of the economic recovery.

It comes after the recent completion of work on its Minster Suite to give it a more contemporary look.

The next phase will see more than half of the hotel’s bedrooms refurbished. The work is due to be completed in early summer.

John Dixon, general manager of Hilton Coventry, said: “We consistently aim to enhance our guest experience, and with this refurbishment we are delighted to be improving what the hotel has to offer.”

The UK-wide investment programme spans bedroom, bar, restaurant and public area refurbishments, including the launch of The Space lounge concept in a number of the hotels, starting with Hilton Newbury North.

Work is due to be completed in all hotels by 2011, with some projects having already been finished at the likes of Hilton London Gatwick Airport, where a new restaurant and redesigned lobby complement the recent introduction of a Costa coffee shop.

Igal Ahouvi and partners own 16 Hilton hotels, all operated under management agreements by the Hilton brand.

Hugh Taylor, CEO for Igal Ahouvi’s hotel businesses, said: “We are delighted that the Hilton Coventry will benefit from this major investment programme. We expect that as a result of the investment, and under the expert management of Hilton, the Hilton Coventry will be well placed to benefit from the economic recovery as it develops and gains pace.”